Tomorrow will be my first day back to work.

It seems fitting that I return 4 months to the day after my surgery.

Tomorrow, I will start a “graduated return to work,” meaning that I will start back very part-time, and build as my strength improves.

It’s been the most bizarre 4 months of my life.

I have learned a lot about who I am, who I care about, and who cares about me.

And as result I am making a lot of changes in my life.

I am being more careful with who and what is deserving of my time, while at the same time – I am less judgmental of people – or at least I try to be. Saying I disagree with someone doesn’t mean that they are wrong.

Respecting someone doesn’t mean that I don’t set boundaries to keep myself healthy.

I am learning that I can be myself quietly too.

Over the past month, I have started physiotherapy. I have gone swimming 3 times (15 mins each time!) And I have been increasing the amount of walking that I am doing. I am blessed to live in a place where “walking” can almost always include seeing the ocean. It’s soothing.

I am recognizing the impact that the physical trauma, and inability to work has had on my mental health – and I am blessed to have the support I need.

I also sent dozens of baby hats, and an array of leftover medical supplies, to a mission in Mexico that supports midwives in a small village.

I re-discovered the beauty of education through free courses offered online through Berkeley, Oxford, Harvard, Yale, and other incredible schools. Also – sites like Crash Course and Khan Academy are amazing.

I am grateful to my family, to my friends, and to my amazing partner, Jim. I am also grateful to my medical team, and to my puppies – who make sure that no bad day stays that way.

I’m pretty lucky.

Thanks for joining me on the journey.